CVE-2018-19499: Vanilla before 2.5.5 and 2.6.x before 2.6.2 allows Remote Code Execution because authenticated administrators

This month

HIGH 7.2UPGRADE

CVE-2018-19499 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting vanilla. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Vanilla before 2.5.5 and 2.6.x before 2.6.2 allows Remote Code Execution because authenticated administrators have a reachable call to unserialize in the Gdn_Format class.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-502
Published	2018-11-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: vanillaforums

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2018-11-23 19:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:49 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vanillaforums vanilla UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.5.5 · >= 2.6.0 and < 2.6.2

Fixed in: 2.5.5, 2.6.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.6.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy vanilla || rpm -q vanilla || vanilla --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.5.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade vanilla

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade vanilla

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.6.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison vanilla sudo apt install vanilla=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.0> sudo apt-mark hold vanilla

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list vanilla sudo dnf downgrade vanilla-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.0> sudo dnf versionlock add vanilla

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2018-19499?

vanilla: upgrade to 2.5.5, 2.6.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-19499 being exploited?

CVE-2018-19499 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2018-19499 affect?

CVE-2018-19499 affects vanilla. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Vanilla before 2.5.5 and 2.6.x before 2.6.2 allows Remote Code Execution because authenticated administrators have a reachable call to unserialize in the Gdn_Format class.

How urgent is CVE-2018-19499?

Priority 45/100. High severity

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CVE-2018-18903 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE Vanilla 2.6.x before 2.6.4 allows remote code execution.
CVE-2018-17571 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE Vanilla before 2.6.1 allows XSS via the email field of a profile.
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References

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